Process for making metalized micro-embossed films

• Main Authors: ROUGHTON MICHEAL, MASI GEORGE
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 02.04.2009
• Subjects: MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNERANALOGOUS TO PAPER; MECHANICAL WORKING OR DEFORMATION OF PAPER, CARDBOARD ORMATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUSTO PAPER

The present invention provides a process for manufacturing a metalized micro-embossed plastic film using a shim made from a flexographic plate. A digital image is transferred to the flexographic plate and the flexographic plate is processed to create a shim having a raised image corresponding to the digital image. A film is embossed by extruding the film across the flexographic plate, creating a micro-embossed surface in the film. The micro-embossed surface of the film can further be metalized to enhance the visual effects of the image when viewed from the non-embossed surface of the film.